Importance of Being Seven

The Importance of Being Seven / Alexander McCall Smith

Edinburgh: Polygon, c2011.

311 p.

This is another McCall Smith book that I read while on holiday. I've been really, really looking forward to this one, as it is the latest in the "44 Scotland Street" series, featuring the eternally 6 yr old Bertie Pollock (one of the most charming children in literature, and a favourite of mine).

I've enjoyed all the books in this series, but this one was fantastic. It was the best yet, as we've come to know all the characters and follow them along many escapades throughout the previous five volumes. This book resolves some of the tensions in various storylines, giving the reader a wonderful sense of closure and satisfaction. We see some longstanding characters experience lovely moments: Bertie, Matthew & Elspeth, Domenica & Angus -- so many of these characters have great stories in this volume.

There's really not too much to say about this particular volume -- I don't want to post any spoilers, as anyone who has been reading along in this series will love it, and I want them to have the same shock of delight as they turn the pages as I did. I've even got my husband addicted to this author, and as he was reading this book I could hear laughter coming from the other room. These books provide that kind of amusement, entertainment and satisfaction in the storyline in each episode. I can't critically review it because I simply love it. So that's my summation: I loved it; I love the characters and the setting, and it's only getting better. If you love gentle satire, wry amusement, and characters either lovable or ludicrous you will find this a great read.